The Thrifty Traveler Podcast

Join the hosts as they dive into Kyle Potter's quirky journey from a failed Uber driver to a travel expert. Hear tales from his punk band days and his insights on state politics. Discover enticing airline transfer bonuses, including a sneaky one from Qantas. They also tackle a listener's question about transferring points to Emirates, blending humor with strategy. Plus, enjoy tips for overcoming jet lag and the nostalgic charm of team retreats and adventures with his corgi. It's a delightful mix of travel, music, and personal anecdotes!

Discover the thrill of a unique frequent flyer program draft! The hosts pick their top airline loyalty programs, revealing surprising choices and strategic insights. Dive into a fantastic Delta SkyMiles sale to Asia and learn if Tulum has lost its charm. Get tips for navigating travel to the 2026 Winter Olympics and strategies for booking flights during busy school seasons. Plus, find out the best social media accounts to follow for insider travel tips. Join the fun and help decide the winner of the fantasy draft!

Gunnar and Kyle pull out their binoculars to be your safari guides in this week’s episode. After going on their own safaris with the help of points and miles, they talk through their trips, what they loved (spoiler alert: pretty much everything), what they learned, and what they’d do differently next time. Plus, the guys gush about a new feature Google Flights is testing, wonder aloud about when the Chase Sapphire's big bonus will end, and get (rightfully) called out by a listener for a bad take on a previous episode.Watch us on YouTube!00:00 - Gunnar finally tells the “Gunnar Olson Olson Olson” story03:50 - Why we’re so psyched about Google Flights’ fancy new feature09:35 - How long will the Chase Sapphire Preferred 100K Bonus Offer last?12:55 - Gunnar recaps his trip to Zanzibar and the Masai Mara safari in Kenya34:00 - A word from our sponsor (us … and our free Extra Mile Newsletter for points and miles aficionados) 35:00 - Kyle puts on his safari hat and talks about his own trip to the South African bush25:15 - More about elephants!55:02 - A listener calls Gunnar & Kyle out of touch about their Hyatt free night certificates take58:10 - Kyle puts Gunnar on the spot…and Gunnar eats some delicious crow about HiltonProduced by Gunnar Olson & Jackson NewmanEdited by David StruttShow music: “All That” by Benjamin Tissot Support the show by leaving us a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question you want answered on-air or an idea for the show? Let us know at podcast@thriftytraveler.comGet 20% off your first year of cheap flights and points and miles deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium - use promo code TTPOD to save even more!See what we’re all about at https://thriftytraveler.com - or subscribe to our free weekly points and miles newsletter, The Extra Mile!Follow us on…InstagramYouTubeFacebookBluesky

Travel demand is cooling, but that means incredible flight deals are heating up! The hosts reveal a stunning mistake fare and discuss the implications of new 'ultrabasics' into the airline industry. Real ID enforcement may be closer than we think, so travelers need to be prepared. Summer travel looks promising with prices dropping, including domestic flights under $100! They celebrate a creative listener with the 'Listener of the Week' award, adding a fun twist to the conversation about travel trends.

Get ready to elevate your travel game! The hosts share the 10 Commandments of Points and Miles, from starting slow to maximizing spending. They discuss the impact of rising award rates and offer clever strategies for managing your credit cards. Tune in for hilarious moments, like roasting Gunnar’s wardrobe, alongside serious tips on navigating the complex world of travel rewards. Plus, learn how to collaborate with your partner for double the points!

Gunnar and Kyle dive into the exciting new 100,000-point welcome bonus on the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. They discuss eligibility, strategic reapplication, and the implications for travelers. The hosts even speculate on Chase's motivation behind this lucrative offer. Exciting redemption options are shared, highlighting the potential for luxurious travel experiences. Plus, they emphasize the importance of strategic spending and point optimization to make the most of this rare bonus. Don't miss their tips on maximizing Chase Ultimate Rewards!

A lively discussion unfolds around hotel loyalty programs, with Hyatt's need for improvement highlighted as Hilton gains ground. The hosts delve into lucrative hotel credit card sign-up bonuses, offering savvy tips for maximizing travel rewards. They playfully contemplate ideal settings for the next season of 'The White Lotus.' Frustrations with Hyatt's free night certificates are aired, emphasizing the need for more flexibility. The episode wraps up with charming comparisons of favorite hotel stays, showcasing unique travel experiences.

Jared Kamrowski, Founder and CEO of Thrifty Traveler, recounts the wild journey from launching the company in his garage to its current success. He shares his best and worst travel experiences, including the luxurious Emirates First Class and a Ryanair mishap. The challenges of booking from smaller airports and the evolution of travel deals over the last decade provide fascinating insights. With a blend of humor and nostalgia, the conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting in a rapidly changing travel landscape.

Gunnar and Kyle dive into Southwest Airlines' controversial baggage changes and how these could affect travelers. They highlight dropping airfare prices and the urgency to book Hyatt properties before point costs rise. Listeners also discover a helpful travel card selection tool and explore amusing travel stories related to drinking. With insights into the shifting airline landscape, the hosts tackle the company's dilemma of balancing customer satisfaction with profitability.

Explore 2025's top travel destinations where the strong dollar stretches further, like Japan and South Africa. Discover the competitive landscape of airport lounges with Chase Sapphire leading the way. Delve into Southwest Airlines' controversial rewards changes and their impact on budget travelers. Uncover affordable flight deals to breathtaking Italy and Japan, plus tips for visiting Iceland during the best seasons. Get inside info on booking spring break flights to snag the best deals and hear tasty travel tales from Istanbul!